Junior Class Teacher KS1 - Part Time/Job Share - Fixed Term

Ditcham Park School is an exceptional, thriving institution located on 16 acres within the picturesque South Downs National Park. Our community of over 400 students, aged 3 to 16, benefits from a nurturing environment and small class sizes.

All incoming students at Ditcham undergo assessment through classroom visit days for younger children, and a formal entrance assessment for those entering at Year 2 and above. Year 6 students join external candidates in taking the Entrance Examination for Seniors, with the expectation that they will continue their journey through the school, achieving a commendable number of GCSEs across a diverse array of subjects. Our students are well-disciplined, motivated, and truly enjoy their educational experience. We maintain strong professional relationships with parents, who are actively supportive of both their children and the school community.

Key Purpose of Role:

The school is renowned for its excellent pastoral care, which will be a central aspect of your role. By providing support and care for all students and collaborating closely with colleagues, learning support staff, and parents, we aim to ensure our pupils excel in all facets of school life, swiftly addressing any concerns that arise. The class teacher's commitment and enthusiasm in leading this initiative are essential.

A genuine passion for creating an engaging classroom atmosphere is crucial. This includes teaching, grading, and tracking each child's learning and progress in an environment where every student is recognized and appreciated. The role entails comprehensive planning, preparation, budgeting, and resource allocation. Staying informed about developments in primary education is necessary, including participating in relevant training or courses.

You will contribute to the seamless operation of the school by attending assemblies, fulfilling duties, engaging in extra-curricular activities, and organizing or accompanying day trips and potentially KS2 residential visits.

As part of a small team, you will be expected to help develop one aspect of the curriculum within the junior section, ensuring colleagues are kept informed about any changes or developments that may impact their curriculum delivery.

Attendance at INSET Days, whole school staff meetings at the beginning of each term, weekly junior staff meetings, parents’ evenings, Open Mornings (held in the autumn and summer terms), and other school events is expected.

Your line manager will be a member of the Junior Management Team, with overall responsibility resting with the Head of Juniors and the Headmaster.

The rotation of teachers between classes is part of a cycle that may involve staff moving between KS1 and KS2 teaching responsibilities. This initiative is designed for the benefit of the school, students, and staff, and is managed with careful planning led by the Head of Juniors.

Ditcham Park School is committed to professional development, providing both time and financial support for personal INSET in addition to school-wide INSET at the start of autumn and spring terms.

We are eager to consider, support, and implement innovative and progressive initiatives proposed by our staff. As a vital member of our dynamic and evolving school, all staff are expected to be positive and adaptable to new initiatives or challenges introduced by the Head of Juniors or Headmaster.

Personal Specification:

In this job share role, it is essential that you possess the ability to quickly establish rapport with students, parents, and staff. You will need to demonstrate effective communication and continuity in teaching alongside your job share partner.

When appointing a candidate for Ditcham Park School, we seek someone who, during the interview process and through their qualifications, clearly demonstrates that they:

- Are suitably qualified for the responsibilities of the position.
- Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills with students and colleagues.
- Possess good listening skills and a respectful attitude towards all pupils.
- Have the ability to build relationships and motivate students.
- Can inspire enthusiasm for the department's work.
- Demonstrate high standards in the essential professional competencies expected of teachers, including:
- Subject knowledge and application
- Classroom management
- Assessment, recording, and reporting of student progress
- Teaching effectively across various age and ability ranges
- Are confident in contributing their own ideas and initiatives to the school’s philosophy.
- Are willing to engage in the broader activities of the school.
- Have a practical understanding of administrative responsibilities.
- Are committed to personal and professional growth.

What We Offer:

As part of our team, you will enjoy:
- A competitive salary
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing services
- Opportunities for training and professional development

Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- School fee remission
- Complimentary lunch

Additional Information:

This part-time position is a job share with an existing junior class teacher, likely representing 0.2 of an FTE role, with the possibility of additional hours to be discussed during the application process.

All employees at the school are required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Safeguarding Policy at all times, thereby promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons they encounter.

If you become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children during your duties, it is imperative to report these concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS certificate upon a successful application.

In line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, all employees have a responsibility to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others. Ditcham Park School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.